Pickering emulsion of metal-free photoinduced electron transfer-ATRP stabilized by cellulose nanocrystals

The development of metal-free photoinduced electron transfer-atom transfer radical polymerization (PET-ATRP) in Pickering emulsion by cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) has successfully investigated. In the presence of ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate (initiator) and triethylamine (additives), Eosin Y (photocatalyst) can effectively achieve the controllable polymerization of methyl methacrylate utilize CNCs as stabilizer. The polymerization in Pickering emulsion has relatively higher stability. The polymerizations of MMA showed typical “living”/controlled characteristics with controlled molecular weights (150,100–219,100 g/mol) and low Mw/Mn (1.10–1.25). CNCs can not only be recycled, but also can be applicable as one of the most robust “green” emulsifier for PET-ATRP in Pickering emulsion.